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Triller Downloads Skyrocket Ahead of TikTok Ban

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Triller, a creator-focused social media platform, has jumped more than 100 spots on the Apple App download chart as users look for a new home ahead of the TikTok ban, set to go into effect January 19, 2025.

Under the leadership of Sean Kim, a former TikTok executive who took the helm as CEO of the Triller App in November, the number of daily new users has doubled. User growth is expected to continue to accelerate.

Triller’s savemytiktoks.com utilizes Triller’s Amplify.ai technology, enabling creators to seamlessly migrate their content directly to their Triller profile.

“Having navigated the dynamic landscapes of both TikTok and Amazon Prime, I recognize the vital importance of creator empowerment, community, and commerce.” said Sean Kim, CEO of the Triller App. “The response to our ‘Save my TikToks’ campaign has been overwhelming, highlighting the great need in the industry for an app that supports creators and their work. At Triller, we are building a revolutionary platform that truly puts creators first. The next generation of the app is about giving creators the tools, ownership, control, freedom, and monetization opportunities they’ve always deserved.”

For more details, please visit savemytiktoks.com.

Triller Corp is owned by Triller Group Inc.

About Triller Group Inc.

Triller Group is a US-based company that operates two main businesses: the newly merged US- based social media operations (Triller Corp.), and the legacy operations of the Company in Hong Kong (“AGBA”).

Triller Corp. is a next generation, AI-powered, social media and live-streaming event platform for creators. Pairing music culture with sports, fashion, entertainment, and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology, Triller Corp. uses proprietary AI technology to push and track content virally to affiliated and non-affiliated sites and networks, enabling them to reach millions of additional users. Triller Corp. additionally owns Triller Sports, Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC); Amplify.ai, a leading machine-learning, AI platform; and TrillerTV, a premier global PPV, AVOD, and SVOD streaming service. For more information, visit www.triller.co.

Established in 1993, AGBA is a leading, multi-channel business platform that offers a broad set of financial services and healthcare products to consumers through a tech-led ecosystem, enabling clients to unlock the choices that best suit their needs. The Group is organized into four market- leading businesses: Platform Business, Distribution Business, Healthcare Business, and Fintech Business. For more information, please visit www.agba.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us following the consummation of the business combination; expectations regarding our strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and our ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in Hong Kong and the international markets the Company plans to serve and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the SEC, the length and severity of the recent coronavirus outbreak, including its impacts across our business and operations. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

Investor & Media Relations:

Bethany Lai
ir@triller.co

Breanne Fritcher
triller@wachsman.com

Cognex Strengthens Market Leadership in Industrial Barcode Reading with Two New AI-Powered Products

DataMan 290 and 390 barcode readers, backed by industry-leading customer support, deliver unmatched reliability and ease of use

NATICK, Mass., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX), the leader in industrial machine vision, today announced the launch of the DataMan® 290 and 390 barcode readers. Thanks to innovative AI technology, these readers deliver reliable decoding performance across a broad range of manufacturing applications. In addition, by making setup and deployment easy and intuitive, Cognex has given more users than ever the power to streamline barcode scanning processes and increase operational efficiency.

The AI-powered DataMan 290 and 390 barcode readers are shown side by side.

“The DataMan 290 outperformed other competitive solutions we tested, successfully reading codes that others couldn’t,” said Peter Laurinčík, CEO, MTS – Modern Technology Systems. “This reliability, plus an intuitive design, will transform our barcode reading operations, allowing us to increase productivity and throughput. The comprehensive support offered by Cognex, from setup and training to deployment and runtime, ensures smooth performance every step of the way.”

The DataMan 290 and 390 provide a full set of features to let users get started quickly and efficiently handle a wide range of applications:

  • Advanced AI capabilities enable users to reliably read codes with a single click, simplifying setup and maintenance while reducing downtime, even for non-technical users.
  • Effortless handling of varied code types and symbologies, including damaged or low-quality codes, and high read rates even in low-visibility environments thanks to an integrated all-in-one light.
  • A user-friendly web interface with guided setup allows even non-technical users to go from unboxing to scanning in mere minutes.

Beyond advanced technology, DataMan 290 and 390 barcode readers are backed by Cognex Customer Success, industry-leading support that works the way you want, from self-service resources to a global network of experts. The best technology and tailored guidance enable users to easily plan, deploy, and expand their vision project.

The DataMan 290 solves most barcode reading applications out of the box, while the DataMan 390 delivers higher resolution for the most complex applications, offering a complete range of solutions to meet code scanning requirements. These readers, along with Cognex Customer Success, reflect the company’s commitment to deliver best-in-class customer experience, while driving innovation in industrial barcode reading. For more information, visit cognex.com/dataman-290 or call 1-855-4-COGNEX.

About Cognex Corporation
Cognex Corporation invents and commercializes technologies that address some of the most critical manufacturing and distribution challenges. We are a leading global provider of machine vision products and solutions that improve efficiency and quality in high-growth-potential businesses across attractive industrial end markets. Our solutions blend physical products and software to capture and analyze visual information, allowing for the automation of manufacturing and distribution tasks for customers worldwide. Machine vision products are used to automate the manufacturing or distribution and tracking of discrete items, such as mobile phones, electric vehicle batteries and e-commerce packages, by locating, identifying, inspecting, and measuring them. Machine vision is important for applications in which human vision is inadequate to meet requirements for size, accuracy, or speed, or in instances where substantial cost savings or quality improvements are maintained.

Cognex is the world’s leader in the machine vision industry, having shipped more than 4.5 million image-based products, representing over $11 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company’s founding in 1981. Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, USA, Cognex has offices and distributors located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. For details, visit cognex.com.

IR Contact
Nathan McCurren
Head of Investor Relations and Treasurer
Cognex Corporation
ir@cognex.com

Media Contact
Jeremy Sacco
Senior Manager, Global Content Marketing
Cognex Corporation
pr@cognex.com

RuggON Launches VIKING II: Transforming Fleet Management with Unmatched Technology and Flexibility

Powered by Android 14 and Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 6490 Octa-Core Processor, Engineered for Demanding Fleet Applications

TAIPEI, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — RuggON Corporation proudly introduces the VIKING II, a groundbreaking fleet management device designed to tackle the toughest industrial challenges. Combining cutting-edge technology with exceptional durability, the VIKING II raises the bar for operational efficiency in logistics, mining, construction, and public safety. Designed with adaptability and performance in mind, it empowers businesses to excel in even the harshest environments.

Powered by Android 14 and Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 6490 Octa-Core Processor, Engineered for Demanding Fleet Applications

At its core, the VIKING II is powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 6490 Octa-Core Processor, delivering unparalleled performance for complex, data-heavy tasks. Combined with Android 14 and Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification, the device offers a seamless user experience with access to a vast ecosystem of applications. Whether monitoring vehicle health, managing data, or running custom fleet management tools, the VIKING II ensures dependable performance and unparalleled flexibility.

Engineered for extreme conditions, the IP65-rated VIKING II pairs rugged design with advanced connectivity options like 5G and SATCOM, ensuring uninterrupted communication and real-time data transfer, even in remote or off-grid areas. Multi-GNSS support, equipped with Dead Reckoning and RTK technology, enables precise location tracking in GPS-denied environments, such as tunnels or urban canyons.

By integrating critical tools into a single device, the VIKING II simplifies fleet operations and reduces costs. It features advanced functionalities like TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), NFC capabilities, remote door control, and a secondary display, streamlining workflows and enhancing delivery efficiency. Real-time tracking boosts on-time performance, while TPMS prolongs tire life, promoting safety and sustainability.

For additional information about VIKING II, please visit https://www.ruggon.com/en/product/mobile-computers/VIKINGII or follow us on Ubiqconn Technology.

About RuggON

RuggON Corp., a subsidiary of Ubiqconn Technology, is a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computing solutions. Combining Ubiqconn’s advanced technology to drive innovation and expand in the Mobile Industrial (IioT) market, RuggON leverages decades of expertise to improve mobile productivity in harsh environments. A committed engineering team delivers devices of exceptional value and quality that enhance user experience. The company understands the diverse demands of industries to provide tailored, efficient solutions. RuggON is dedicated to higher standards for customer satisfaction and prides itself on offering endless possibilities to meet tomorrow’s needs. For more information, visit http://www.ruggon.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

MINISO Group Announces Completion of US$550 Million Equity Linked Securities

GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO; HKEX: 9896) (“MINISO”, “MINISO Group” or the “Company”), a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design, today announced the completion of its offering (the “Securities Offering”) of equity linked securities due 2032 in the aggregate principal amount of US$550 million (the “Securities”). Security holders may exchange their Securities for cash at any time on or after the date which is six years after the closing date to the date falling 10 scheduled trading days prior to the maturity date (both days inclusive).

In connection with the Securities Offering, the Company has entered into lower strike call and upper strike warrant (collectively, the “Call Spread Transactions”) with the managers of the Securities Offering. The Securities and the lower strike call will be settled wholly in cash and the Company may issue ordinary shares (the “Shares”) only under the upper strike warrant. This overall structure will enable the Company to raise funds in a form similar to convertible debt securities, whilst deferring potential dilution to a higher effective exercise price (with an upper strike exercise price of HK$102.10 per Share), converted at a pre-determined exchange rate for U.S. dollars, which represents a premium of 100% over the closing price of the Share of HK$51.05 per Share quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (the “HKEX”) on January 6, 2025 (the “Stock Reference Price”).

The Securities constitute direct, unconditional, unsubordinated and (subject to the terms and conditions of the Securities) unsecured obligations of the Company and bear interest at a rate of 0.5% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on January 14 and July 14 of each year, beginning on July 14, 2025. The Securities will mature on January 14, 2032, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The Securities will be exchanged into cash only. The exercise price at which the Securities will be exchanged will initially be HK$64.395 per Share, representing a premium of 26.1% over the Stock Reference Price. The exercise price of the Securities is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, following certain fundamental changes that occur prior to the maturity date and during the exercise period of the Securities, the Company will, in certain circumstances, reduce the exercise price in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Securities.

The Company has received approval in-principle from the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the “SGX-ST”) for the listing and quotation of the Securities on the Official List of the SGX-ST.

The Securities have been offered to non-U.S. persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Securities have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or securities laws of any other places. They may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities, nor shall there be a sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About MINISO Group

MINISO Group is a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO’s wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand “MINISO” as a globally recognized consuming brand and established a massive store network worldwide. For more information, please visit https://ir.miniso.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,”, “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. Among other things, the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as MINISO’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. MINISO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the HKEX, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about MINISO’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: MINISO’s mission, goals and strategies; future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; the expected growth of the retail market and the market of branded variety retail of lifestyle products in China and globally; expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of MINISO’s products; expectations regarding MINISO’s relationships with consumers, suppliers, MINISO Retail Partners, local distributors, and other business partners; competition in the industry; proposed use of proceeds; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to MINISO’s business and the industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in MINISO’s filings with the SEC and the HKEX. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and MINISO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Bybit Card Partners with Entravel to Bring Discounted Luxury Travel to Its Users

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is excited to announce its partnership with Entravel, the leading crypto-native hotel booking platform, to provide users with exclusive access to discounted luxury travel.

As part of this collaboration, all Bybit users can enjoy a free membership to Entravel, unlocking extraordinary perks, including heavily discounted hotel rates and seamless booking with digital assets. Bybit Card holders gain even more, with up to an additional 6% discount via cashback on luxury hotel bookings.

This initiative is a significant step in Bybit’s mission to integrate crypto usage into everyday life, making it easier than ever for users to trade, invest, and now, travel seamlessly with their digital assets.

“Live the Crypto Life. With Bybit Card. Bybit Card continues to broaden the use cases for borderless crypto spending,” said Joan Han, Sales & Marketing Director at Bybit. “We are thrilled to partner with Entravel, simplifying crypto solutions for our users’ travel needs while enriching their experiences with unique benefits. Together, we aim to make Bybit the go-to platform for investing, trading, and enjoying life.”

Luxury Travel with a Crypto Twist

Entravel’s platform offers more than one million hotels globally, including leading luxury brands, with discounts of up to 60%–70% compared to traditional travel websites. Entravel’s innovative crypto-native, members-only program enables these unmatched savings by sourcing exclusive hotel rates through direct partnerships.

Bybit users can effortlessly pay with their Bybit Card, accessing the same ease and convenience as any mainstream travel platform. This partnership empowers users to enjoy their digital assets while creating memorable travel experiences.

Don’t Miss Out – Claim Your Free Membership Today

The collaboration between Bybit and Entravel is designed to bring unprecedented value to Bybit’s community of over 60 million users worldwide (excluding the EU). Free memberships are now available, but spots are limited.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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The Bicester Collection Brings the Unlock Her Future™ Prize 2025 to South Asia to Support the Next Wave of Female Social Entrepreneurs

For its third edition, the annual entrepreneurship programme aims to drive change by identifying and supporting women social impact entrepreneurs from South Asia.

LONDON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Unlock Her Future Prize, an annual start-up competition for female social impact entrepreneurs powered by The Bicester Collection, is making its debut in South Asia in 2025, following its success in MENA in 2023 and LATAM in 2024.

The Bicester Collection Brings the Unlock Her Future(TM) Prize 2025 to South Asia.

Each year the global initiative travels to a different part of the world to identify and support women to launch and scale system-changing start-ups. The 2025 edition of this prestigious prize welcomes applications from women from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, aged at least 18, with an inspiring start-up idea that will generate a positive and sustainable impact on society, as defined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Applicants’ start-ups can be either at the idea/validation stage, where they have a big idea for a new product or service with a tested prototype that is being validated, or at the launch/growth stage, for start-ups operating under three years and with less than US$1 million in revenue.

The winners will each receive a business grant of up to US$100,000 to launch and scale their start-up, an executive education programme with our academic partner, Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, bespoke leadership coaching to achieve their personal and professional goals, access to expert mentors and exposure through The Bicester Collection’s global network.

The Unlock Her Future Prize launched in 2022 following staggering research that showed if men and women were equally represented in entrepreneurship, global GDP could rise from 3% to 6%, equivalent to up to $5 trillion (The Boston Consulting Group). Yet, according to Harvard Business School, fewer than 3% of women-led businesses receive venture capital funding.

Now in its third year, as part of The Bicester Collection’s DO GOOD philanthropic programme, the Unlock Her Future Prize continues to build on its positive global impact and further advance gender equality across the world, championing tomorrow’s changemakers by supporting their business ventures and targeting the funding gap.

With grants of approximately US$600,000 committed and eight start-ups already launched and making a positive impact in their communities and beyond, the winners of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2025 South Asia Edition will join a prestigious alumnae network of social impact visionaries. They include Valentina Agudelo, Colombia(Salva Health), Thamires Pontes, Brasil (Phycolabs), Leydi Cruz, Bolivia (Agrimet), and Annie Rosas, Mexico (BlueKali) and Young Changemaker Kristal del Valle, Guatemala, from the 2024 LATAM Edition, and Noor Jaber, Lebanon (NAWAT Health), Sara Lalla, Iraq/ UAE (EcoCentric), Nubayr Zein Egypt/ UAE (Leaukeather), and Fella Bouti, Algeria (EcoTashira) from the inaugural 2023 MENA Edition.

“At The Bicester Collection, we’re dedicated to creating destinations where experiential retail meets purpose. With flagship locations across Europe, China and the US, we unite our guests and partners to drive meaningful change and make the lives of others better. Unlocking the potential of women, both locally and globally, is central to our mission. Female entrepreneurs need access to capital, education and influential networks. Through our philanthropic programme, DO GOOD, we provide the tools to help them succeed. The Unlock Her Future Prize empowers women to launch businesses, transform communities and create sustainable growth that leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.” Chantal Khoueiry, Chief Culture Officer at The Bicester Collection

“Ashoka is committed to build a world where everyone has the power to give, contribute to change and be a changemaker ! We are also witnessing a historic moment of advancing leadership roles of women and girls in our society. We are very excited about this timely and much needed partnership with The Bicester Collection to help women entrepreneurs to create an ‘Everyone A Changemaker’ society and be role models for all aspiring female changemakers.” Shruti Nair, Leader, Ashoka Innovators for the Public, South Asia

“We are delighted to be partnering with The Bicester Collection for this initiative and to support the development of female entrepreneurs who want to make a difference. I’m passionate about giving women an equal chance when it comes to founding their start-up and this competition is an important milestone in a long-term mission by so many of us across organisations to create a level playing field. I look forward to welcoming the finalists of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2025 South Asia Edition to the Oxford entrepreneurial ecosystem and taking them on the next stage of their journey.” Kathy Harvey, Associate Dean, Oxford University’s Saïd Business School

Finalists for the Unlock Her Future Prize 2025 South Asia Edition, presented in partnership with The Bicester Collection, Oxford University’s Saïd Business School and Ashoka South Asia – the leading global voice on social impact, will be chosen by a Selection Committee of international business leaders and social impact experts. They will then be invited to a pitch day in the region in October, where they will present their start-up to an assembly of judges comprising high-profile women from South Asia.

The winners will be announced in November 2025 during a ceremony in the UK with Bicester Village, forming part of The Bicester Collection’s thirtieth anniversary celebrations.

Applications for the Unlock Her Future Prize 2025 South Asia Edition are now open until 10 March 2025. For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.thebicestercollection.com/en/do-good/unlock-her-future-2025/

@TheBicesterCollection #DOGOOD #UnlockHerFuture

About The Bicester Collection

Created in 1995, The Bicester Collection has reimagined the boundaries around the worlds of luxury retail, hospitality, live music and sports entertainment, curating extraordinary experiences for the world’s most discerning guests. Located in Europe, China and the US, The Bicester Collection’s 12 Villages are world-renowned as iconic, open-air shopping destinations. Each offers the world’s best brands at incredible value, as well as celebrated restaurants and peerless services. For more than a quarter of a century since its founding, The Bicester Collection Villages’ mission has been to make the lives of others better – from the communities it serves to its guests, brand partners and its people. Through its DO GOOD programme, The Bicester Collection aims to drive sustainable social change in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on unlocking futures for women and children, wherever they’re born.

The Bicester Collection brings together extraordinary live music and sports experiences at the first third-generation UBS Arena serving the New York metro area (home to the New York Islanders ice hockey team), a pioneering concert venue featuring the Isles Lab Team concept store. The Collection’s award-winning hotel destinations, Mission Pacific Beach Resort and The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa (with its Michelin-starred restaurant, Valle; celebrated Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge; and locally curated boutique The Ozone), are vibrant destinations in Southern California’s hidden gem, Oceanside.

The Bicester Collection exists to be experienced in the real world. To be actual, not virtual. To be lived. Discover more at TheBicesterCollection.com

About Oxford University’s Saïd Business School 

About Saïd Business School: Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford is a vibrant and innovative business school, embedded within a 900-year-old world leading university. We create programmes and ideas that have global impact and reach. We educate leaders, changemakers and innovators across every industry and sector. Our groundbreaking research and exceptional teaching transforms individuals, who transform businesses, which transforms the world. We create impact from within and are proud to have achieved a 51% majority female intake for our full-time MBA class in 2024. www.sbs.ox.ac.uk

About Ashoka South Asia

Ashoka has worked for 40 years as a leading global organisation in entrepreneurship and social innovation. In Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean it builds and cultivates a community of more than 800 active Fellows, Young Changemakers, Changemaker Institutions and beyond, who see that the world now requires everyone to be a changemaker – a person that sees themselves as capable of creating large-scale, positive change.

Together, amidst the exponential growth of a new inequality in changemaking at a worldwide scale, we mobilise (and accelerate) a movement to build an “Everyone a Changemaker” world where all people have the right and ability to co-lead solutions that transform their societies for the better. Find out more at https://www.ashoka.org

Video: https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2596805/The_Bicester_Collection_Prize.mp4

Smartkem Recaps 2024 Achievements and Sets 2025 Goals

MANCHESTER, England, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Smartkem (Nasdaq: SMTK), which is seeking to change the world of electronics using its disruptive organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs), recapped its key accomplishments for 2024 and set its goals 2025.

CEO Statement
Smartkem Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ian Jenks commented, “2024 was a pivotal year for Smartkem. In December, we raised $7.65 million and, together with our collaboration partner, were awarded a $1.1 million grant for a project to develop the world’s first rollable, transparent microLED display. We uplisted to Nasdaq, increasing trading liquidity and broadening access to investors. We made significant strides in our plans to commercialize our proprietary semiconductor materials with strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry-leaders. We believe we have strengthened our position as a key player in the market for microLED displays, as well as packaging solutions for advanced computing and AI chips and CMOS for smart sensors. Looking toward 2025, we are focused on achieving qualifications and design wins with existing and new collaborations. We believe our technology will help drive adoption of advanced display and other technologies, with the microLED industry projected to grow from $150 million in 2024 to over $4 billion by 2031.1

Smartkem 2024 Highlights:

  • Entered multiple strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry-leading display manufacturers in Asia, North America, and Europe:
    • AUO to jointly develop the world’s first advanced rollable, transparent microLED display;
    • FlexiIC to develop low-cost, rapid turnaround custom circuits using organic transistor technology and a new generation of low-power CMOS-enabled smart sensor devices;
    • ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) to enable product prototyping on its Gen 2.5 equipment;
    • Chip Foundation to co-develop a new generation of microLED-based backlight technology for Liquid Crystal Displays;
    • Shanghai Tianma Microelectronics to develop OTFT-based microarray biochips to amplify and process signals generated by TFT-based sensor devices; and
    • RiTdisplay to manufacture a new type of active-matrix OLED display.
  • Increased IP to 138 patents and 40 codified trade secrets, strengthening Smartkem’s competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving organic materials electronics industry.
  • Uplisted to Nasdaq.
  • Awarded a grant in partnership with AUO from the 2024 Taiwan-UK Research & Development Collaboration.
  • Exhibited and presented at key trade events, including Touch Taiwan 2024 and Display Week 2024 in San Jose, where CEO Ian Jenks gave the DSCC / SID Business Conference keynote speech.

2025 Goals:

  • Ship the first installment of Smartkem’s materials to Chip Foundation under our collaboration to develop a new generation of microLED-based backlight technology for Liquid Crystal Displays.
  • Sign a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for a chip-first microLED display.
  • Complete qualification of Gen 2.5 ITRI process line.
  • Enter into additional collaborations and/or co-development agreements that further advance our technology toward commercialization.

“We thank our stockholders for their continued support and look forward to updating you on our progress throughout the year,” concluded Jenks.

About Smartkem
Smartkem is seeking to reshape the world of electronics with its disruptive organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) that have the potential to revolutionize the display industry.  Smartkem’s patented TRUFLEX® liquid semiconductor polymers can be used to make a new type of transistor that can be used in a number of display technologies, including next generation microLED displays. Smartkem’s organic inks enable low temperature printing processes that are compatible with existing manufacturing infrastructure to deliver low-cost displays that outperform existing technology.

Smartkem develops its materials at its research and development facility in Manchester, UK and provides prototyping services at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at Sedgefield, UK. It has a field application office in Taiwan. The company has an extensive IP portfolio including 138 granted patents across 18 patent families and 40 codified trade secrets. For more information, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, its market position and market opportunity, expectations and plans as to its product development, manufacturing and sales, and relations with its partners and investors. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on Smartkem Inc.’s current expectations, estimates, and projections regarding its business, operations and other similar or related factors. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” and other similar or elated expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult or impossible to predict and, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.

1 2024 Omdia Report

Grand Sunergy: Be Member of Taklamakan Desert Encirclement Project’s Solar Wall

NANJING, China, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In November, China has successfully encircled the Taklamakan Desert, often called the “sea of death”, the country’s largest and the world’s second-largest shifting desert, with a 3,050-kilometer green belt of vegetation and sand-blocking technology powered by solar.

The 500MW Photovoltaic Sand Control Demonstration Project is located on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. Through the “Photovoltaic + Agriculture” comprehensive sand control mode, it strengthens the ecological defense line. In spring, sand fixing plants such as alfalfa will be planted under this 22000-acre photovoltaic panel, forming a model of photovoltaic combined with biological sand control to enhance the effectiveness of sand prevention and control.

Grand Sunergy, as the sole solar product supplier, after fully considering the installation environment in desert areas, designed the targeted high efficiency product for this project, with excellent tear resistance, corrosion resistance, and load resistance.

In addition, Grand Sunergy actively participates in other types of “photovoltaic+” projects to unlock more photovoltaic application scenarios.

Photovoltaic + Offshore

In Laizhou Bay, China, under clear blue skies, a magnificent PV matrix mirrors the vast, rippling sea, creating a stunning, dynamic tableau.

The project with capacity of 400MW (AC Side), as China’s first large-scale pile foundation fixed deepwater offshore photovoltaic project applied Grand Sunergy’s “Seapower” Series HJT module, to address the special application environments, Grand Sunergy has enhanced its G12 high-efficiency HJT modules through the upgrades on encapsulation, glass coating, waterproofing, anti-corrosion measures, and UV resistance.

Photovoltaic + Salt Pans

At the 600 MW salt-PV hybrid base in Laizhou, Grand Sunergy’s PV arrays stand like disciplined soldiers awaiting inspection.

This project not only generates solar power but also maintains the yield and quality of salt production through surface evaporation. This synergy boosts energy output by an additional 2%-3%, achieving a harmonious balance between salt production and solar PV power generation.

Photovoltaic + Transportation

On the highways of Hebei, China, PV panels installed on slopes and loop ramps shimmer like blue waves, absorbing sunlight and injecting green energy into the highway network.

About Grand Sunergy

Grand Sunergy focuses on the R&D and manufacturing of high-efficiency HJT cells and modules. The company is actively building industry supply chain, including silicon wafers, HJT cells and modules.

Grand Sunergy web: https://en.grandsunergy.com/

Grand Sunergy Email: info@grandsunergy.com